Create, Grow, Sustain: Leading by Example

A sustainable world is one in which communities, businesses and economies thrive and people live better, fuller lives.

AT&T plays a pivotal role by delivering fast, secure and mobile connectivity to everything on the Internet – everywhere, at every moment and on every device.

We're working to build smarter energy systems and to help cities and utility companies leverage the Internet of Things to better manage their infrastructures. And we're working with auto manufactures to make driving a vehicle safer and more efficient. All these collaborations use the power of connectivity to better manage resources such as energy, water and fuel and, in the process, help make people's lives better.

As we look to the future, we must also ensure that we're offering consumers sustainable choices. Our eco-rating system for mobile devices helps our customers make informed decisions about the environmental benefits and features of their mobile devices. And these ratings also encourage our suppliers to pursue more transparent manufacturing processes and build more sustainable mobile devices. Based on its success the past several years, we recently expanded this program to include additional environmental and social criteria.

Investing in sustainability also means investing in people. AT&T Aspire is our $350 million commitment to preparing students for success in school for 21st-century careers. Our Aspire Accelerator initiative provides organizations that support student learning with a customized program of financial investment, expert services and mentorship. It's become a catalyst for game-changing technology solutions in education. We're also collaborating with online education leader Udacity on a nanodegree program, which offers affordable online training for high-demand tech jobs at AT&T and elsewhere.

Technology is taking our company's longstanding commitment to sustainability to new levels and giving us opportunities to play an even more important role in creating a better, healthier future.

Randall Stephenson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

This letter was authored by AT&T’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Randall Stephenson and originally appeared in the Business Roundtable’s 2015 Sustainability Report.